Large
and winding, the river Charente quoted by François the 1st as « the
most beautiful stream in the Kingdom », runs
through the ancient counties of “Langoumois” and “La
Saintonge”.
For 171 km, from Angoulême to the Ocean, the
Charente is regulated by 21 locks.
The ancient vineyards cover the surrounding hills.
Many cellars and distilleries will invite you to
taste the famous Cognac or delicious Pineau.
Along your cruise, you will find many villages and
towns that are testimonies to a rich past such as
Angoulême, Fleurac, St Simeux, Châteauneuf,
Saint-Simon, Bassac, Jarnac, Saint-Brice, Cognac,
Saintes, Saint-Savinien, and Rochefort.
In the Charente area, the gastronomy based on seafood
is waiting for you along the river with many of its
restaurants preparing local specialities (“mouclade”,
oysters …).
Fishermen will not be forgotten and will find plenty
of brown trout, carp, pike, perche, and eels.
The
attractions :
Locks operated by yourself, so no restrictions
on timings.
Pineau & Cognac
Romanesque art
Fauna and flora, peace and quiet
Jarnac
How to get to the base :
Only
10 km from Angoulême
Very easy access via A 10 Saintes exit.
TGV in
Angoulême (18km) or train station
in Châteauneuf (10km).
Airport
: Angoulême-Champniers (25km) or
Bordeaux-Mérignac (110km)
Suggested
Cruise in Sireuil - Charente France
1 week
Sireuil - St Savinien and return -
98 km, 15 locks
Tourist places
See above + Saintes : gallo roman remains,
the town and its museums
